Latest images of surrounding lakes from the summit of Mt. Pihanga 1326m – thank you to Brian Gray. Interesting views (1) top looking west over Lake Rotopounamu towards Lake Otamangakau, (2) middle looking North over Lake Taupo with  Tongariro River delta and Turangi in foreground, (3) bottom looking South over Lake Rotoaira with Tongariro National Park beyond.  Also admire the crowds – tourists everywhere!  Who needs the South Island… 

10 am Update:  TRM have received emails asking how to tramp up there?  Brian did it the hard way – by helicopter.  He was up there to check on electrical signals equipment.  There is no walking track.  Similar views are available from Mt. Tihia accessible from SH47 but it is hard to locate and an old unmarked track where some lose their way.  (Hi John…, Hi JimTim… ) Still worth it though for the wonderful views over Lake Taupo.

Other images taken by Brian in 2016 include following: